I'm about to spring for a Barton but can't decide between a locked 2500+ @ £60 (yes, I'm a limey and that equals $114 so Americans sure have it good) and an unlocked 2800+ @ £90. I realise that with a locked 2500+, one can up the FSB from 166 to 200 and get a 3200+. However, I believe having an unlocked multiplier can give you more flexibility (obviously).
I am about to buy an Abit NF7-S/Asus A7N8X(-E deluxe?)/DFI Infinity also (in that order of priority).
I don't plan to spend a lot on huge heatsinks or anything but am prepared to mitigate heat problems to obtain a STABLE platform at reasonable overclocking levels.
So my question is really, can I economically extract substantially more than 11*200 with good stability from an average AthlonXP on an Abit NF7-S. If so, I'll go for the unlocked 2800+.
On the other hand, if 11*200 is getting up towards safe limit levels, I'll probably be satisfied with a locked 2500+.
Also, I am somewhat interested in underclocking because this proc may end up in an HTPC down the road. Can one get a good reduction in heat output on a Barton with lower multipliers and/or voltage and does the Abit mobo give me all the multiplier options (both up and down).
TIA
I am about to buy an Abit NF7-S/Asus A7N8X(-E deluxe?)/DFI Infinity also (in that order of priority).
I don't plan to spend a lot on huge heatsinks or anything but am prepared to mitigate heat problems to obtain a STABLE platform at reasonable overclocking levels.
So my question is really, can I economically extract substantially more than 11*200 with good stability from an average AthlonXP on an Abit NF7-S. If so, I'll go for the unlocked 2800+.
On the other hand, if 11*200 is getting up towards safe limit levels, I'll probably be satisfied with a locked 2500+.
Also, I am somewhat interested in underclocking because this proc may end up in an HTPC down the road. Can one get a good reduction in heat output on a Barton with lower multipliers and/or voltage and does the Abit mobo give me all the multiplier options (both up and down).
TIA
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